REVIEW. 
505 
Moreover, our hypothesis likewise explains to us why the 
escutcheon does not spread equally upon all sides of the udder, and 
why its existence is often uncertain upon the superior part. It 
ought to exist more extensively opposite to the part whereto 
the arteries which have produced it are directed, growing more 
or less to the right, left, or middle, and forming one, two or three 
points directed towards the tail, according as the different ar- 
terial divisions, rarely uniform, are more or less long and 
voluminous. This theory also accounts for the influence of the 
rows of hair superiorly, which, as we have said, shew that cows, 
when once they have been bulled, rapidly lose their milk. 
The layers of hair ascending around the vulva are to the 
internal organs of generation what the inferior are to the udder. 
Formed by arteries destined principally for the ovaries, the 
uterus, the vagina, and the clitoris, they indicate, when well 
developed, that the organs of reproduction are supplied by 
arteries sufficiently numerous for its nutriment, as well as to 
ramify upon the skin after having furnished it with the blood 
necessary for the exercise of its genital functions; whence it 
follows, that the uterus and its dependencies are highly vitalized, 
and produce, after fecundation, at the time they are under ex- 
citement from the presence of the germ, a derivation which 
detracts from the vigour of the udder and dries up the sources 
of lactation. The absence of these escutcheons leads to 
the presumption that the organs contained in the pelvis 
receive less blood, and that the lacteal glands keep up their 
function so long as they, the escutcheons, are in a state of 
plenitude. 
Furthermore, we have made the remark that cows in which 
the superior escutcheons are fully developed, and who, 
in consequence, rapidly lose their milk when in calf, like- 
wise experience, during the ostral season, a palpable diminution 
in the secretion of milk. The momentary excitation of the 
genital organs of a cow at the time she is bulling is sufficient 
to diminish, whilst this excitation lasts, the product of the 
udder. 
Lastly, we may adduce, in addition, in favour of our opinion, 
the varicose condition of the veins of the perineum, frequently 
so remarkable in excellent cows with vast inferior escutcheons, 
such as are the most certain sign of extraordinary activity in 
the udders. Arriving in abundance in the vicinity of the peri- 
neum, and retained there by the pressure made by the udder 
highly distended with milk, upon the veins, the blood collects in 
these vessels and distends them. 
Is it true, as stated by M. Guenon, that the powder which 
VOL. XXIV. 3 z 
